Putin is losing his friends all over the world

Putin is described as an increasingly isolated world leader. Those who once chose to support the president are now choosing to publicly condemn the president’s invasion of Ukraine.

– It’s a diverse crowd usually counted among Putin’s friends. But Inga Neslund, a Russia expert at the Palm Center, says those backing him now may be less than Putin expected.

“This hurts for Urban”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been described as one of those closest to Putin. He has now voted for EU sanctions, including excluding Russian banks from the express payment system. He also joined those openly condemning the Russian invasion.

Orbán was counted among the friends in the far-right club. But since Hungary is a member of NATO, he has no choice. I think this hurts him, says Inga Neslund.

The former Soviet state of Kazakhstan is also included in Putin’s left-wing states. Now the country is choosing a new path, among other things They refuse to send troops to Russia.

Three countries voted in the Security Council

When the UN Security Council voted on a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, three countries abstained: China, India and the United Arab Emirates.

Although it cannot be considered official support for Putin’s business, it can be interpreted as a desire not to clash with his Russian business partner, says Inga Neslund.

What unites them is probably economic interests. China recently struck a major trade agreement with Putin, and India has a long history of economic dependence on Russia. It can be interpreted as an attempt to “get rid of the problem”.

– But that any of them would go with the military, I consider it absolutely unlikely.